Ryan: $265,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Chicago

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $265,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Chicago, including $75,000 to the People's Community Development Association of Chicago to further develop its Custodial Care Training and Job Placement program.

Additional staff will be hired and equipment, materials and supplies purchased. The training program will consist of five six-week training sessions with seven participants in each session and will assist individuals in the East/West Garfield area in changing their current living conditions by becoming independent, self-sufficient and employed.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Annazette R. Collins, D-Chicago.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $65,000 to the Outreach Mission Christian Center to continue providing assistance and services to homeless males.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Rickey R. Hendon, D-Chicago.

• $45,000 to Passages Alternative Living Programs, Inc., to support 36 Parent Skills Training workshops.
  This project was initiated by Collins.

• $30,000 to Park Avenue Assisted Living Services to provide training to "Welfare to Work" participants and other community residents who are interested in becoming self-sufficient through gainful employment.
  This project was initiated by Hendon.

• $25,000 to the Interfaith Organizing Project of Greater Chicago to support its Nehemiah Affordable Housing Initiative.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Arthur L. Turner, D-Chicago.

• $25,000 to Chicago Public Schools to instruct and assist high school seniors at Kelvyn Park High School on graduation preparation.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. William Delgado, D-Chicago.